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How to Explore Alternative Medicine for Lung Cancer Treatment

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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When a doctor discovers abnormal, cancerous cells and tumors on a patient's lungs, a diagnosis of lung cancer is made. There are many different treatments for lung cancer within the traditional medical community, but many patients are also choosing to explore the use of alternative medicine. Follow these steps to discover what options are available for lung cancer patients.

From Quick Guide: Lung Cancer
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Combat the side effects of conventional cancer therapies though a nutrition plan. Many doctors believe proper nutrition is key to fighting cancer. Some think it may be instrumental in alleviating some of the side effects caused by chemotherapy, radiation and laser light therapy.

  2. Step 2

    Encourage your body to fight the cancer. While it won't cure you, using herbal remedies and vitamins to boost your body's immune system may help prepare your body for conventional therapies and might increase the chances of their success.

  3. Step 3

    Reduce your physical pain through acupuncture or acupressure. These ancient Chinese practices are based on the concept of negative energies and tensions causing physical harm to the body. By releasing these energies, the body is put back into balance and is relieved of all pain. Remember, however, that many doctors question the efficacy of acupuncture.

  4. Step 4

    Ask your doctor about the possibility of receiving physical therapy after your treatment is complete. While physical therapy is normally used for patients who have had surgical procedures, it may also benefit those who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation.

Tips & Warnings
  • You have the right to have your diagnosis and treatment explained in simple terms that you understand. If you don't understand something, you also have the right to request additional assistance or clarification.
  • It's normal to feel a great deal of sadness, anger and frustration after you've been diagnosed with cancer. Discuss your feelings with your doctor. He or she will be able to help you choose an appropriate therapy and may even prescribe mood stabilizing medications.
  • Alternative medicine is not intended to be used in the place of a physician or oncologist in the event of a life threatening emergency. Should you experience loss of consciousness, mental confusion, intense pain or you begin to vomiting blood, contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital.
  • Remember that many doctors have reservations about alternative therapies and few alternative therapies have ever been submitted to the rigors of medical testing. Also, many alternative medicine practitioners operate without any licenses or other forms of certification. You often must accept their word that they know what they're doing. If you decided to use alternative medicine, choose practitioners through trusted referrals, including friends who have achieved success with these therapies.

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